Columbus Day parade in NYC: Thousands celebrate Italian pride

Participants march in the 70th Annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City, Monday, October 13, 2014.The parade is billed as the world's largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture. Photo Credit: Charles Eckert

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Cuomo, who proudly emphasizes his Italian-American roots, said yesterday’s celebration served as just one reminder of the state’s diverse character.

“Parades are a great way to celebrate the diversity of New York and to remind us we have a special gift: the diversity we have,” said the governor, who is up for re-election.

The celebration of Christopher Columbus’ birthday has had its share of critics for years due to his actions after he arrived in the Americas.

Protesters around the nation have called for an end to the holiday or a renaming. This year, Seattle and Minneapolis renamed the holiday Indigenous Peoples' Day.Most paradegoers said they weren’t too fixated on the negative aspects associated with Columbus.

“Controversy is everywhere. We make the best of it and just focus on the fun,” said Richard Velez, 49, an EMT from Staten Island who came to the parade with his 5-year-old daughter Cami.